Barnahus centre opened in Dnipro region

On April 3, 2025, the Dnipropetrovsk region officially joined the network of Barnahus centres — model institutions designed to provide comprehensive support to children who have experienced or witnessed violence. This is the 13th such centre in Ukraine, operating in accordance with child-friendly justice standards and offering multi-sectoral assistance under one roof. 

What is a "Barnahus"? 

Barnahus centres (from Icelandic — “House for Children”) are interdisciplinary institutions where procedural and social services are brought together in one place to provide integrated support to children in a safe, sensitive, and child-friendly environment. Here, children can undergo interviews and receive psychological, social, legal, and — if needed — medical support. All procedures are carried out in a trauma-informed manner to minimize the risk of re-traumatization. 

In the context of full-scale war, where children are increasingly exposed to violence or its consequences, such centres play a critically important role. They not only provide immediate support but also help ensure long-term recovery and the child’s return to a safe environment. 

Opening of the Centre in Dnipropetrovsk Region 

The event was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Social Policy, the Ministry of Justice, the Office of the Prosecutor General, the National Police, as well as local authorities and civil society organizations. 

The opening of this centre is especially significant, as the region is directly affected by the ongoing war and has become a refuge for many internally displaced persons, including children. Here, more than anywhere, children facing difficult circumstances need timely, sensitive, and coordinated assistance. 

International Standards 

The Barnahus model fully aligns with: 

• The Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (Lanzarote Convention); 
• Guidelines of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on child-friendly justice; 
• The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. 

In 2024, amendments to Ukrainian legislation officially recognized Barnahus centres as specialized support services for survivors of domestic and gender-based violence. This allowed for the standardization and formal regulation of their operations at the national level. 

The Ministry of Social Policy is also working on the development of additional regulatory acts aimed at strengthening the institutional capacity of these centres and ensuring the sustainability of their services in communities. 

Results and Impact 

According to data from the International Charitable Foundation “Ukrainian Foundation for Public Health”¹, since the introduction of the Barnahus model in Ukraine, 1,196 children have already received support through these centres. Over 1,000 interviews have been conducted in safe environments. A total of 938 professionals — including prosecutors, investigators, psychologists, and social workers — have undergone training. 

The centres significantly reduce the number of times a child has to interact with different institutions — such as the police, prosecutors, and medical or social services. At the same time, they ensure that the child receives comprehensive, holistic support — legal, psychological, social, and medical. This approach helps lower stress levels, supports recovery, and builds trust in the protection system. 

Notably, 11 of the 13 centres opened during the full-scale invasion — a testament to the system’s resilience and its strategic importance to the state. 

Mission and Future Vision 

Barnahus centres are more than just places where a child is interviewed. They are spaces of trust, care, and protection, where every child receives a clear message: “You are seen. You are heard. You will be protected.” Their development represents not only a humanitarian commitment but also a strategic investment in Ukraine’s future — one where the rights of every child are an absolute priority.